17/08/2026
FOXROCK LOCAL HISTORY CLUB
The History Club’s Next Public Lecture is on: -
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15th 2026 IN THE FOXROCK PASTORAL CENTRE @ 8.00 P.M.
TOPIC – THE SEAPOINT TRAGEDY
BY Peadar McGing
At about 7pm on the 30th of June 1890, James O'Connor, a prominent journalist with the United Irishman newspaper, was chairing a meeting of a charity he was supporting.
Meanwhile, at his home at 1 Seapoint Avenue, some of his children went to gather mussels from a nearby pond. Unfortunately, after eating the mussels, the family rapidly became unwell. When James arrived home at about 9 o'clock, he was met by a scene of utter devastation.
This talk will:-
Detail the story of the O'Connor family tragedy,
Discuss mussel poisoning and its treatment at the time versus today,
Detail the laboratory investigations by Dr. Edmond McWeeney and Sir Charles Cameron,
Tell some of the side stories of the survivors.
Peadar McGing, is a Retired Principal Clinical Biochemist ex: Mater Misericordiae University hospital. Holds a 1973 - 1977 Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biochemistry @ University College Cork. With a robust skill set that includes Strategy, Management, Microsoft Office, Research, Customer Service and more.
ADMISSION €5.00 FOR NON-MEMBERS
Membership is €20 for the year (Sept - July) and entitles members to our lectures for free and two short outings
Our website: www.foxrocklocalhistory.ie
E.Mail: [email protected]